Caste Performance within the STEM Academia of India

• In Event: Open Refereed Roundtables
  In Refereed Roundtable (90 minute): Table 18: Stratification and Economic Inequality

Abstract

Caste is an age-old institution of social inequality in India. Its dynamics are strengthened and perpetuated by three pillars - conflicts, hierarchy, and social networks. Focusing either on socialization or liminality, extant literature captures the caste dynamics only partially. Using the context of Dalit science, technology, engineering, and mathematic (STEM) scholars, this research provides a comprehensive understanding of how caste is experienced on a day-to-day basis within the STEM academia of India. We explore caste dynamics with the help of Goffman’s (1959) social interaction theory with regard to the “performance” perspective. Data are derived from in-depth interviews with 29 Dalit STEM scholars, and those are analysed qualitatively. Findings illustrate how caste is routinely performed within the pillars of caste-based conflicts, hierarchy, and social networks. We contribute to the caste literature in India by unpacking and theorizing the concepts of caste dynamics, agency, and social positions.

Authors

• Dina Banerjee, Indian Institute of Management Udaipur

• Nazia Zabin Memon, St Joseph’s Institute of Management (SJIM)

• Alka Sharma, UPES, Dehradun,